Budget Update: May 2017

With a house purchase on the horizon, to say my budget is getting an overhaul would be an understatement! We put together a comprehensive budget that allows us the opportunity to add money back to our savings accounts and travel fund, save up for home renovations and furniture, and still allow ourselves monthly indulgences. My allotment is $200 per month for “fun” purchases. This will include anything that’s just for me, so it goes beyond clothing and incorporates things like splurging on fresh flowers. It’s definitely going to be a change of pace, but getting our house in order is our biggest priority right now and if that means I have to wait an extra month to purchase something I have my eye on, so be it. The upside of this is becoming more aware of how I’m spending my money and really focus on quality over quantity. There’s a temptation to stretch a monthly budget as far as possible with clothing items, but that doesn’t always leave me with things I’m excited about the next year. I’d love to get to the point where I’m buying just one or two thoughtful pieces each month.

Cutting costs on this line item certainly makes saving for big ticket items more difficult, which is why I opened a new Capital One 360 account to save for a designer splurge. (Right now, this Gucci bag is headlining all of my sartorial dreams.) I’m planning to deposit just $25 per paycheck (an amount I won’t notice is missing) and any money I earn from blogging. Sure, it might take awhile to save up for an expensive piece, but at least I’ll know that the classic item I do purchase eventually won’t be done on a whim.

BUDGET

Second Quarter Budget: $685 ($850 with a $165 deficit from last quarter)
Spent in April: $298
Spent in May: $216
Amount Remaining: $174

PURCHASED
See all of this year’s sartorial purchases here. I round the prices to the nearest dollar amount and reflect any discounts I applied.

• BP Halter Dress ($49): I absolutely love this breezy dress for warm days. It’s not lined, so you might feel more comfortable wearing a slip underneath for extra coverage (although, it’s not sheer). I went with my regular size. While the torso and hips in the smaller size fit just fine, the bust was a bit too tight. And, a word of warning, it wrinkles easily. It doesn’t bother me too much since it’s such a casual summer dress, but it’s worth mentioning. I’ve been wearing it with these earrings and a pair of slides.
• J.Crew Salut! T-shirt ($24): I rarely wear t-shirts, but I just loved this one too much to pass up. It runs a size large.
• J.Crew Ruched Bandeau Swimsuit in Red ($53): I’ve been wearing a navy and white striped swimsuit for the last three summers. It’s a classic, flattering cut and still in great condition, but I really wanted another option to switch things up now and then. I purchased this one-piece on sale earlier this month and it’s just so perfect! It runs a tad larger than true to size and the ruching is flattering if your tummy isn’t exactly flat. The long-torso version was the only one on sale when I made the purchase. I’m 5’7″ and I don’t have what I’d consider a long torso, but I’m glad I went with it. The extra fabric keeps the swimsuit from riding up and giving me a wedgie, and any extra length doesn’t look out of place with a suit that’s already ruched.
• J.Crew Bandana in Bermuda Map Print ($9): I couldn’t resist the vintage-inspired map print and the faded colors. I love how it looks tied to the handle of my favorite summer tote.
• Target Crossbody Bucket Handbag ($30): While I’m all about the circle handle bags this season, I couldn’t justify the large price tag that accompanies many of them. This inexpensive version from Target was perfect to satisfy that craving with a surprisingly practical bag. It holds more than the daily necessities (including my camera), and the faux leather is soft.
• ASOS Broderie Sundress with Strappy Back ($51; not pictured): The mixed eyelet patterns won me over on this dress, but goodness it wrinkles easily. I decided to keep it despite the creases because cotton should be more breathable on hot days than most of my summer dresses which are made from synthetic materials.

GIFTED
As always, I want to be transparent about what I’ve received from companies for review or as part of a collaboration.

• Moonstone Magic Open Apollo Ring
• Moonstone Magic Twigs Ring
• Moonstone Magic Confronting Dots Ring

DIDN’T WORK OUT
Things I tried and didn’t love.

• J.Crew Textured Summer Straw Hat: I want to be a hat girl, but I have yet to find one that doesn’t look ridiculous on me. This one felt like I should be planting a flower garden in the country.
• J.Crew Tie-Waist Shorts in Liberty Thorpe Floral: The extra fabric of the pleated front and the bow sash didn’t do my figure any favors. I thought they ran small, but maybe I just gained weight. 😉
• ASOS Jumpsuit with Shirred Bodice in Gingham Print: Dave thought I looked like a clown going to a picnic, and yet, I would have considered it if I were tall and slim. It’s pretty fun in a ridiculous sort of way.
• Ranna Gill Kalila Flora Dress: The quality of this dress was pretty shoddy for the price point. I tried it on in-store and every dress on the rack had pulled threads, snags in the chiffon, or straps that were pulling away from the body of the dress. If you love it, wait for a deep discount. It runs large.

DAYDREAMING ABOUT
The items I just might add to my wardrobe next month.

• I can’t go over budget to snag this ring, but I’m tempted to put half of June’s budgeted money aside to save for it.
• I’m also gaga for these sandals in tan.

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Linking up with Fran!